How to get rid of spotted spurge?

Spotted Spurge Control Strategies

Spotted spurge is a summer annual weed that thrives in thin, stressed lawn areas throughout the Piedmont. Its low-growing form and reddish coloration distinguish it from desirable turf while its prolific seed production enables rapid establishment.

Identification and Lifecycle

Understanding spotted spurge's lifecycle guides effective control timing. This weed germinates in late spring, grows rapidly through summer, and produces thousands of seeds before dying in fall.

• Low-growing annual with stems radiating from central hub
• Distinctive reddish coloration and small, rounded leaves
• Milky sap appears when stems are broken
• Germinates in May-June when soil temperatures exceed 70°F
• Dies with first frost, having produced enormous seed quantities

Prevention and Treatment

1. Apply pre-emergent herbicide in April before spurge germination
2. Maintain dense, healthy turf that crowds out spurge seedlings
3. Hand-pull small spurge plants before they set seed (wear gloves for sap)
4. Apply post-emergent broadleaf herbicides when spurge is young
5. Multiple applications (2-3 weeks apart) provide better control
6. Avoid low mowing that thins turf and favors spurge

Thick, healthy turf maintained at proper height provides the most effective long-term spurge prevention strategy.